Potomac Yard Civic Association

As part of the Vision Zero traffic safety initiative, the City of Alexandria will reduce the speed limit on the Jefferson Davis Highway portion of U.S. Route 1 (between Slaters Lane and Four Mile Run) from 35 mph to 25 mph, effective Monday, August 20.

National data shows that lowering speed limits from 35 mph to 25 mph dramatically reduces the number and severity of crashes. Between 2015 and 2017, 25 people were hurt in 106 crashes on the portion of U.S. Route 1 where the change will be implemented, including three people that were seriously injured. After recent speed limit reductions on King Street, Seminary Road and Quaker Lane, the average annual number of crashes fell by 53 percent, 40 percent and 33 percent, respectively.

The Vision Zero Action Plan approved by City Council identified speed limit reductions on high-crash corridors as an immediate priority improvement. In addition, City staff regularly analyze safety and accessibility during paving operations and determined that reducing the speed limit on this segment of U.S. Route 1 would also meet the goals of the Complete Streets program.

Traffic crashes kill or seriously injure approximately 37 people per year in Alexandria. As the new school year begins, the City reminds all motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to make safe decisions when using local roads.